Chapter 470
Ethan slumped in his chair, his eyes unfocused and dull.
Though he and Leander were brothers by blood, he’d always been fiercely competitive. And the higher Leander climbed, the harder it struck his pride.
There was a time when he was the prodigy of the Ashcroft Family. Celebrated across Astria for his achievements, he was hailed as the brightest star of Astria’s martial world since Gareth Ashcroft.
The prestige, the praise, everything… they should have belonged to him.
Even if fate refused to favor him, he never imagined it would all return to Leander, whose martial power had once been crippled.
After all, he was the one born gifted. He possessed the only dual martial power in the history of the Ashcroft Family, one of which had been stripped from Leander and transplanted into him. He should have been the undisputed champion of his generation.
But instead, he failed to show the slightest brilliance in any aspect. He was constantly overshadowed by Leander, who had successfully clawed his way back into the martial world.
And now… he was slowly realizing that he was gradually losing even the right to chase after Leander’s shadow. While Leander stood high above the clouds, blazing as brilliantly as the sun, he could only shrink back into the darkness-resentful, envious, and blinded by the unreachable radiance.
A long time passed before he heaved a heavy sigh, saturated with his bitter resentment.
Given Leander’s wealth, identity, and status, even the great powers of the world had to tread cautiously around him. He had even ranked first in the International Combat Units.
At this point, there was nothing Ethan could do to deny the cruel reality. His only option was to swallow the bitter pill of truth.
Just then, a graceful figure appeared at the doorway.
“Mom p>
Ethan hurriedly wiped away the tears in his eyes.
Dressed in a flowing green traditional outfit that framed her figure, Lydia entered the room. She gave Ethan a cursory nod, then glanced toward the computer screen.
Her expression shifted slightly as soon as she saw Leander’s name displayed at the top of the International Combat Units. She understood at once.
“Ethan She patted his shoulder comfortingly, her words heavy with meaning. “You’ve always been fiercely competitive, always wanting to be the best. It’s a trait you’ve had since you were young.
“But… some things cannot be forced. Everyone will eventually meet someone stronger than themselves. It’s the natural course of life. You must not let this become a demon in your heart.
“Once a heart demon takes root, your path in the martial arts will only grow steeper and narrower. You may even stagnate forever, unable to take another step forward p>
Startled, Ethan froze for a moment. Lydia had always been a gentle, loving mother. Whether in public or in private, she had always appeared no different from an ordinary woman. She had never spoken to him about martial arts-not even once.
Therefore, her words today shocked him deeply.
Ignoring his reaction, she sat before him. Her tone remained gentle but firm. “Ethan, the path of martial arts has no end. You must ignore the noise around you and press forward with everything you have. Only then can you climb to greater and greater heights.
“Even the Dragon Emperor was once a lone cultivator with no background or support. He simply persevered, trampling the forces in Astria and forging his title of ‘invincible’ with sheer strength.
“And the World Arbitration Office? They, too, shook the world with pure power. They’ve stood strong for centuries, and today, they’ve become a massive
underground force feared by the great nations.
“What I mean to say is… the world is full of endless possibilities. Don’t let temporary victories or losses cloud your heart.
“Besides… he’s your elder brother p>
Once she finished speaking, she stood to leave. She paused at the door and
glanced backward, a touch of weariness and sorrow in her voice.
“I lived at Durham Abbey for more than ten years because of Leander, refusing to return to the Ashcroft Residence. Because of that, you may think he weighs more in my heart than you do, but p>
“You’re both my sons. There can never be one more important than the other. You’re both precious to me.
“I’ve prepared a gift for you. I’ll have it sent over later. It’ll help you take one step closer to Leander p>
Then, she left.
Meanwhile, Ethan remained frozen in place, reeling with confusion.
At the Ashcroft Residence.
Dressed in elegant robes, Gareth stood with his hands clasped behind his back, facing a wall covered in blooming peonies.
Lydia approached slowly, exuding the gentle elegance of a classical beauty with every step.
“Gareth… I remember you planted these flowers for me when you first brought me here. It hasn’t changed in the slightest, though more than ten years have passed p>
At her arrival, his stern expression softened instantly, almost smiling.
“Lydia, I’ve never forgotten a single moment spent with you p>
Looking at the man she loved, affection shimmered in her eyes.
She smiled and stepped forward, holding his broad hand.
“Gareth, my refusal to return to the Ashcroft Residence over the past ten years I admit, it was because I held resentment toward you.
“But I’ve never blamed you p>
Stroking his cheek, she suddenly smiled. Her entire face seemed to brighten in that moment.
“For the next three months… take me on a trip around the world. It doesn’t matter where we go. Let’s leave tomorrow p>
Those words startled him, making him flinch slightly.
“Lydia… must you go back?” His expression stiffened at the thought. “With the Ashcroft Family’s current strength and the connections we’ve built across Astria.. I don’t believe they can truly threaten you.
She shook her head gently, a faint smile playing on her lips.
“Gareth… you know very well-those from that place are not bound by any nation. Rules mean nothing to them.
“I violated their greatest taboo when I chose to marry you, enter the Ashcroft Family, and become pregnant with Leander p>
Her expression dimmed with sorrow.
“If I hadn’t agreed to the twenty-year pact… and if my father hadn’t staked his name
on the line to vouch for me… they would’ve exterminated the Ashcroft Family twenty years ago.
“And now, the twenty-year deadline has come. If I don’t return as promised, they won’t spare the Ashcroft Family. They won’t show mercy to you, to Leander, or to Ethan.
“You’re the ones I love and cherish the most. How could I allow anything to happen to you p>
Her voice trembled slightly.
“The Ashcroft Family is flourishing now—holding an irreplaceable position, carrying
real weight in Astria, and even receiving the nation’s protection.
“Leander used to worry me the most. But now he’s safe-and standing at the very top of the world. Aside from the Arbitration Office and a few ancient powers no one can truly threaten him anymore content
“As for Ethan, he is one of the brightest talents of his generation. His future is limitless. And he has the Ashcroft Family—and Leander to shield and support him p>
Her gaze hardened with quiet resolve.
“Honestly, I have nothing left to fear. And that is why I have the courage and confidence to face whatever awaits me when I return.
“These twenty years in the mortal world… I am content. I will not ask for more p>
Gareth clenched his fists tightly, fiery emotions blazing in his eyes. But the moment he thought of that place, a wave of helplessness washed over him.
Although he was a Transcendent known as one of Astria’s Four Extremes, he was still far too weak, far too insignificant compared to the people there. Even Leander now the undisputed number one in the world, was not yet qualified to challenge them.
Spreading his arms, he pulled his wife into a tight embrace, his eyes growing moist.
“Lydia… for these three months, I’ll take you across the world. Just you and me p>
A warm tear slid down Lydia’s cheek. Wrapping her arms around him, she held him tightly.
Finally, the husband and wife who once swore eternal devotion pressed their hearts close once more.